Serializer-Deserializer Event Timing Using Bit-Period Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for detecting event timing information are limited by their resolution, with conventional counters restricted by frequency, analog methods requiring calibration, and propagation delay techniques becoming cumbersome as the number of sub-intervals grows, necessitating a more precise method for determining event timing.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-speed serializer and deserializer circuitry combined with exclusive-OR (XOR) or exclusive-not-OR (XNOR) logic circuitry to generate precise timestamps by modifying and comparing digital signal patterns, allowing for event timing measurements based on bit periods rather than slower clock speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional counters are used for event timing detection, then the system can detect events, but the timing resolution is limited by the counter frequency (nanoseconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic counter systems with an optical timing measurement system. Light sources emit optical signals that are modulated by event occurrence signals, and photodetectors convert these optical signals back to electrical signals for timing measurement. This optical substitution enables picosecond-level timing resolution, dramatically improving measurement precision beyond what conventional electronic counters can achieve.
2Measurement precision
If analog techniques are used to measure time intervals, then timing measurement can be achieved, but the system requires frequent calibration to remain accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog measurement techniques with an optical-based measurement system. By using light sources and photodetectors to measure time intervals, the system achieves high accuracy without requiring frequent calibration. The optical domain provides inherent stability and immunity to drift issues that plague analog electronic systems, eliminating the need for regular calibration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If propagation delay techniques are used to subdivide measurement intervals, then sub-interval timing can be measured, but the system becomes cumbersome as the number of sub-intervals grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic propagation delay subdivision techniques with optical domain measurement. By using optical signals and photodetectors, the system can achieve fine timing resolution for sub-intervals without requiring cascades of electronic gates and wires. The optical system provides a simpler, more scalable approach to measuring multiple sub-intervals with high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for precise event time measurement. High speed serializer and deserializer circuitry are combined with high speed logic elements, such as exclusive-OR (XOR) or exclusive-not-OR (XNOR) logic circuitry, to achieve a measurement precision based upon a bit period associated with the high speed circuitry rather than upon slower reference clock signals. In certain embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods generate digital signal patterns, serialize them, transmit them as a high speed bit stream, utilize an event occurrence signal and logic circuitry to produce a modified bit stream, deserialize the modified bit stream to produce a modified digital signal pattern, compare the modified signal pattern with a predicted signal pattern, and determine bit positions or bit periods at which events occur based upon this comparison. These bit positions can then be used to generate precise timestamps and related time information for detected events.